FastCAD – An innovative approach to delivering maritime platform RCS within tactically relevant timeframes

24 Aug 2026

Conference

Australian Defence Science, Technology and Research Summit 2026 (ADSTAR)

Title

FastCAD – An innovative approach to delivering maritime platform RCS within tactically relevant timeframes

Abstract

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) required a more effective method to understand and improve naval platform survivability in a rapidly evolving electromagnetic threat environment. Rather than making incremental enhancements to existing RAN processes, this challenge demanded a forward‑looking, innovative capability that could translate self-captured platform information into defensible intelligence that supports timely tactical decision‑making.

Central to achieving this objective is the generation of Radar Cross Section (RCS); a quantifiable measure of platform detectability that underpins the development of operational doctrine. There exists, however, a dual challenge to generating these signatures. First, traditional approaches relying on direct RCS measurements are costly and fundamentally unsuited to operational environments. Second, synthetic alternatives using Computational Electromagnetic (CEM) software often demand weeks or months of simulation, making them incompatible with the tempo of ‘on-the-fly’ survivability assessments.

These constraints created the imperative for FastCAD; an integrated ecosystem of sensing, modelling, and AI-enabled analysis that delivers rapid, RCS insight within tactically relevant timeframes. By pairing LiDAR-sensing technologies with bespoke modelling workflows, Shoal enabled fast, accurate 3D model generation. The LiDAR-generated CAD models can then be ingested into Shoal’s purpose-build AI / ML model to identify geometric features.

FastCAD was engineered as a mission‑driven capability. GPU‑accelerated processing, bespoke algorithms, and ML‑based feature classification ensured that RCS‑critical geometry could be identified. The system’s portability further supports in‑theatre deployment, ensuring tactical information is founded on representative data rather than historical, potentially outdated models.

This experimental effort also strengthened the broader innovation ecosystem. Collaboration across RAN, DSTG, and Shoal ensured alignment with existing processes, data governance requirements, and future Defence capability pathways. While initially focused on maritime platforms, the methodology is inherently domain agnostic, positioning FastCAD to be extended across land and air domains alike.

Key takeaways:

Traditional RCS measurement and simulation approaches are too slow, costly or impractical for operational environments. FastCAD delivers rapid, RCS insight within tactically relevant timeframes.
By combining LiDAR capture, rapid CAD model generation, GPU-accelerated processing, bespoke algorithms, and ML-based feature classification, FastCAD can identify RCS-critical geometry much faster than conventional workflows.
FastCAD capability is mission-driven, deployable and extensible across domains.

Authors

Henry Bennison, Modelling and Simulation Engineer, Shoal Group

Date

Thursday 6 August 2026

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About Shoal

Shoal is complex systems design company. We use Systems Engineering combined with Modelling, Simulation and Analysis to help our clients define, analyse, decide, optimise, and deliver technology-intensive projects in complex environments across Defence, Space, Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.

In 2026, Shoal celebrates 25 years of applying systems thinking to complex challenges.

More: shoalgroup.com